It’s every musician’s potential nightmare: after dedicating countless hours to study, practice time, rehearsals, research, and every other imaginable form of preparation, it’s time to search for performance opportunities.  In some cases, a clearer path is forged for individuals who are able to successfully compete for an award, which is often padded with the reward of a generous concert schedule for a coming season or so.  In other instances, through general exposure, recommendation, or a promoter’s positive impressions after attending an artist’s live performance, there is also the possibility of receiving an invitation to perform at a particular venue or concert series.